When you first open this version of The Ugly Duckling and see the title page, it is so beautifully illustrated that one can't help but stop and try to take in all the details. The reader knows it will be a story that takes place in the country just by seeing the farm house and barn, the cows, pigs and chickens, as well as the ducks swimming in the pond. This story is about a duckling who is considered to be "different" from day one and is teased by everyone including his own brothers and sisters. For the first year of his life, the duckling is chased by other ducks, pecked by hens and kicked by the girl that feeds him, all because he looks different from the other ducklings. One line particularly represented how he felt, "I will follow them, thought the duck. I would rather be killed by them than suffer any more cold and hunger and cruelty." (pg. 24). But as the seasons change, as represented by the illustrations, so does the duckling until one day he looks down into the pond and sees the reflection of a beautiful swan. This story conveys a powerful message about how to treat others who may be considered "different" for whatever reason, and that we should always try to find our true inner "beauty." This book can be read to kindergartners on up, especially now that classrooms are becoming more and more culturally diverse, and more inclusive of students with various challenges.This story would also be a great lead in for a lesson about bullying, because bullying has become so prevalent in our schools across America. This version of The Ugly Duckling is adapted and illustrated by Jerry Pinkey, and is the recipient of the Caldecott Honor of which it is very deserving. Every page is covered in beautiful artwork detailing nature; capturing the frog catching a dragonfly, a random caterpillar on a leaf, a catfish on the bottom of the pond, a baby duckling riding on it's mother's back and my favorite one: the duckling seeing it's beautiful reflection in the water. Although it is more difficult to read, children of all ages would enjoy having it read to them. After reading this version, it has quickly become one of my favorite books, not just because of it's message, but also because of the beautiful artwork!
I can't really tell from the pictures, but they kind of remind me of a picture book I ran into in the library. I was looking for books by Helen Lester and just happened to run across this book by Julius Lester about John Henry. If you love beautiful illustrations you definitely have to check this out. I literally spent 10 minutes in the library just staring at the beautiful illustrations, and it is a great folktale.
ReplyDeleteThe quote you picked out of the book is extremely powerful. I agree with you that it would send a powerful message to children about bullying. Your book review introduced my to yet another version of The Ugly Duckling. Though I feel like I've read a million and one versions, your review, especially about the illustrations, makes me want to go and check out this version right away!
ReplyDeleteI was a child that loved illustrations of all types, but especially the ones with intricate details that add to the story every time it's read. I'm glad you could appreciate the illustrations as well. They are the first thing young readers, and old readers for all I know, notice.
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